Special Day!

This day has been and always be important to the creation of our family--going on 3 reasons now!It has been 41 years since your dad agreed to make me his wife. What a journey we started. President Kimball gave us several pieces of advice when he married us. He told us to always pray together every night, always pay our tithing and to always fix ourselves up for each other. He told us to write these things down that night--which we did--so I am going to have to find that list and the actual words he said. Those are the things I remember. We have done pretty good on one of the items--the others need work on still. Dad has been a good husband, always taking seriously his role as provider. He has worked so hard. He tries to be sensitive to my needs and is getting better with age. I am very blessed to have him for eternity. Trav has shared this special day with us for 35 years now. It has been fun to have this bond. He has brought such a great dimension to our family and keeps things "real". I just had to post this picture of how real things are. Trav didn't have his clothes to wear at Phil's wedding reception--these are borrowed and Trav proudly modeled them. Anyway, Trav, we sure love you! Have a Happy Birthday and a wonderful, memorable year ahead. We were so honored that Tom & Kristy decided to share this day with us as they started their family. We love this couple! This is their 13th year anniversary today. So Happy day and so many more. One more reason to have a triple celebration!

Colton

It seems impossible that it has been a year since we were all gathered for Colton's and Jenna's 8th birthday, but here they are now--9 years old! Growing up way too fast! Colton has been a quieter child among our grandchildren, but you can tell that his mind is a'going. He is one that loves action and fantasy. He loves video games and DVD's and love to pretend. He also likes to create and be part of the action. He has a tender place in his heart for his family and is best friends with his brother. He loves and protects his baby sister and is a good help. He also loves to be with his cousins. Colton gives great hugs everytime he sees us and before he leaves, so we love that. Have a happy 9th year Colton. We love you!

7 years old!

Trey turned 7 in January, right after Kylie and just before Averie and Nicole, soon to follow Logan and Tyler! That is a pretty fine group of 7 and almost 7 year olds! That was a fun year of babies! Trey is such a joy! He is an independent and free spirit, which has its advantages. He has always loved cars, trucks--well, vehicles of any kind. He loves to be active and wrestle. And, since he goes, goes, and goes all the time, when he crashes, he really crashes--even in the middle of chaos He likes food--- but on his terms. (It seems that when he is eating is about the only time he slows down enough for me to get a picture) He loves his family. and friends and cousins He is doing great in school even though schedules cramp his style! Have a fun and wonderful 7th year Trey! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Kristy!

We celebrate with Kristy the day of her birth! She has been such a great addition to our family. I knew I would love her before I met her because the effect she had on Tom. He showed a romantic side that none of us knew he had and it was really amazing. She might tell me that it is hidden again, but I appreciate how she made him better! She is a wonderful wife and mom and daughter! We love her a lot and hope this is a wonderful year ahead for her.

Saying goodbye to 2009

We had a great New Year's Eve! Every one brought goodies to eat so we had a great assortment to munch on. Then we had games going on everywhere. I don't know what this game was but guessing by the celebration going on I would have guessed that Christie was the winner. Maybe not though. Dad said Liz was the expert. Darren had the right idea! The kids had their own game going in the basement Jer spent most of his evening walking the baby--she is so happy when she is walking Kristy challenged Isaac to a ping pong game--don't know who won that one. After everybody else gave up and went home, Tom & Kristy's family decided they would stay and welcome the New Year in. They played another game with John and Laura and then with Isaac watching the time, went on the front porch and banged pots and pans. I was impressed that they braved the cold--you can tell I didn't cause there isn't a picture. This is the first year dad and I have stayed up in many years! So Happy New Year. We hope it is a great one for all of us!

Christmas Memories 2009

One of the first highlights of our Christmas season was when Kim, Daniel and family came! We were so excited--and grateful for their safe arrival. Kylie immediately favored us with her "Jingle Bells". She played awesome! Our Christmas Eve was very small this year. John and Laura got to spend this Christmas with her family, so they were missing. Also Tom and Kristy and Reed and Allyson did their own traditions at their home. And, we ALWAYS MISS Trav and Allison and family! After dinner, Kim had a fun craft for the little ones to do. Then we did the traditional Nativity play. It turned out pretty hilarious this year, though. (The kids were all pretty tired, so it made it fun--or funnier) Check out the donkeys resignation! Mary had to give up her seat to JD! The angels gave their news Enter the wisemen Traditional new "PJ" photos After we watched a wonderful DVD that Dr TM had made for us. Then, dessert time (mom forgot to bring out the new books--sorry) We had a great Christmas the next morning, watching Kim and Daniel and children. Little Ben was so happy--candy everywhere! Daniel made his traditional breakfast burrito, which was very yummy! Check out my gift from Trav and Allison CUPS! Everyone gets their own. Now comes the choosing and marking Kim and Daniel treated us to a movie with their family that afternoon and then we had everyone came that night. Some cousin moments: And the girls refused to let me take their pictures--on cue now, raise the presents! Ah hah! got cha! I had to take this one of Josh--dessert was ice cream surrounded by every candy he could find, wrappers and all! I wish I had more pictures of all of them. It was a great memory and all too fast gone. All too soon it was time for Kim and Daniel and little ones to leave. Thanks for making the long trip here and for sharing your memories with us! We hope everyone had a joyous and memorable Christmas day! Much love and thanks for everything you all did for us.